Don't Use A Cable Box Without Paying

MARK BOGEN - You and the Law

May 22, 1997|MARK BOGEN

Q. I recently moved to an apartment in Boca Raton. All of the apartments receive basic cable, which does not include any movies. One of the tenants who lives here offered to sell me a cable descrambler box which allows me to get free movies. Is it illegal to use this box?

A. Yes. The use of a cable descrambler box is illegal. According to Chapter 812.15 (2) (a), Florida Statutes, no person shall intercept, receive or assist in receiving any communication service offered over a cable system unless specifically authorized to do so by the cable operator. Any person who willfully violates this law is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor.

Q. I was shopping at a local electronics store and wanted to purchase a product. The manager of the store refused to accept my check stating that checks will only be accepted if I provided my credit card number. Can a store require me to provide a credit card number even though I am using a check?

A. No. According to Chapter 832.075, Florida Statutes, no person shall require as a condition of accepting a check that the person presenting the check provide a credit card number. Anyone who violates this law is subject to a $250 fine for the first offense and $100 fine for subsequent offenses.

Q. My daughter recently received a doll for her birthday. After playing with the doll, a piece of it came off and my daughter put it in her mouth. I believe this product is unsafe. Can you tell me where I can file a complaint?

A. If you have a complaint about a toy that you believe is unsafe, contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at 800-638-2772.

You and the Law appears on Thursdays in Local. Mark Bogen is a Boca Raton lawyer. Write to him at the Sun-Sentinel, 3333 S. Congress Ave., Delray Beach, Fla. 33445.